Investigating options to modify the aggressive behaviour of entire male cattle, sheep and goats and the potential impacts on market acceptance and animal productivity

Summary

Extensive consultations with all sectors of the livestock export industry were followed by a situation analysis of mortality levels and behavioural and welfare problems along the export chain in exported entire male sheep, goats and cattle. While there are significant aggression problems and recognised welfare concerns in the shipment of dairy breed bulls and feral and semi-feral male goats, these issues were not a major concern for rams or beef breed bulls of either Bos taurus or Bos indicus strains.

Little detailed information is available on causes of mortality in entire males during export, and further investigation of these aspects appears warranted. An analysis of market preferences for entire males was undertaken and current and future opportunities for the export trade in entire males were assessed. In the absence of good data on the value of the export trade in entire males, a preliminary analysis suggested that for all species, the entire male trade had a value in 2004 of about $70 M, or almost 10% of the trade, for animals for which there are restricted domestic market opportunities.

A literature review was undertaken incorporating relevant scientific information, together with considerable anecdotal information from industry. Modifications to handling and management strategies, changes in the genetic composition of the current feral goat population, nutritional manipulation of aggressive behaviour, and the use of immunological castration techniques (goats and dairy bulls) were identified as possible options for modification of aggressive behaviour, some of which are recommended for further research. Given increasing community concerns on animal welfare issues, consideration needs to be given to a progressive phase out of the export of harvested feral goats, and their replacement with either castrates or domesticated/managed goats of feral origin and their crosses.